Exploring Luxury and Art On The Big Island Of Hawaii

Before Kohanaiki, a 450-acre private community, was constructed among the ancient lava flows on the Kona Coast of Hawai’i, the Big Island, local activists resisted its arrival. After some negotiations with the developer, a mutual agreement was forged: to preserve the area’s cultural heritage and nature. Today, 100 acres of shoreline is jointly maintained by the club and Hawaii County. "We’re always trying to pay tribute to those who were here before us,” said David Reese, general manager ofKohanaiki. “From the start, we’ve worked hard to adhere to Hawaiian culture. Local families served on an advisory committee to best preserve everything respectfully.” A simple walk around the place transported me deep into the history of this space.

Kohanaiki - the aerial view.

Courtesy of Kohanaiki

The property has a dedicated team to protect and maintain several unique Loko I’a, traditional Hawaiian fishponds; and more than 200 anchialine pond, where water levels rise and fall with the ocean tide. There are fourteen ahu – or shrines – on site. These historic rock-based structures were once a focal point of ceremonies that honor ancestral spirits and also served the function of warning travelers that they were entering "a new people’s land."

Kohanaiki

Courtesy of Kohanaiki

The clubhouse doubles as an arts center with a collection of rare paintings and exploration-themed gems. A massive single hull, six-man racing canoe named Holokai – seafarer or runner of the ocean – sits at the entrance like a sculpture, in many ways representing the bold heart of the local community. Several works by prolific Big Island artist Edwin Kayton can be seen throughout the property, as well as a large oil painting of Polynesian voyaging canoes Hokul`a and Makali`i. Another fascinating series of prints by eminent artist-historian Herbert “Herb” Kawainui Kane, a leader in the renaissance of Hawaiian culture in the 1970s, depict the legends of indigenous Hawaiian people. Much of his work contemplates the idea of culture through faith, and inversely, faith through culture in a simple, yet vivid way. Kane’s beautiful portraits have been featured in numerous exhibitions, media, and postage stamps, including one commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hawaii statehood in August 2009.

Edwin Kayton, "Path of the Ancients."

Courtesy of Kohanaiki

Perhaps, one of Kohanaiki’s most distinctive art treasures is tucked away in the private wine room. Enjoying a tasting with Kirk Emmons, the resident sommelier, I discovered an incredible collection of fifty consecutive years-worth of Château Mouton Rothschild bottles featuring custom labels illustrated by the world’s most celebrated artists including Pablo Picasso, César, Andy Warhol, Pierre Soulages, Balthus, Francis Bacon, Jeff Koons, and Miquel Barcelò. The idea to create bespoke labels came to Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1924 after he commissioned famous poster designer Jean Carlu to create an exclusive artwork. Since the celebration of the end of WWII in 1945, this has become an annual series and a visual hallmark of the wine label.

A private wine tasting room at Kohanaiki

Courtesy of Kohanaiki

Throughout the rest of the Big Island, an artistic revival is evident in expansion of cultural spaces and their rising cache on the international arts scene. The East Hawaii Cultural Center is a prime example of the local effort to foster creative and cultural expression, because its roster of exhibitions, performances and educational programs is largely run by local volunteers. Currently on display is a stunning homage to the Maunakea volcano by artists residing on the Big Island. It takes the viewer on a journey inspired by different areas of this important natural and spiritual landmark: Wao Akua reserved for ceremonies, Wao La'ala'au used for bird watching and hardwood harvesting, and Kilo Hoku, an ancient site for astronomy. An amazing perspective on this special place regardless of whether you are a once in a lifetime visitor, a seasonal resident or a real estate investor looking to understand more about the land you’re developing. Bridging the gap between local creator and global buyer, the center’s exceptionally curated concept store SPACE offers some beautiful artwork with price points ranging between $36 and $3,600: something truly for everyone.

The East Hawaii Cultural Center's concept store SPACE

Courtesy of SPACE

Another “under the radar” cultural must-see on the Big Island is the Kona Hawaiian Quilt Museum and Gallery. As the only museum in the state to focus exclusively on Hawaiian quilting, the recently opened space houses a plethora of vintage and contemporary quilt designs by local artisans. Dating back to the 1820s, the earliest quilts found on the island were pieced together by kapa moe, the indigenous textile intricately made by layering kapa: strips of bark that were beaten to make a smooth cloth. The top layer of a kapa moe would then be dyed and each ohana (family) would come up with their own unique design stamps typically featuring a floral center. While the craft has gradually incorporated mainland-sourced materials such as cotton, the tradition still holds emotional and cultural significance. Admiring the intricate designs of plumeria blossoms, ginger lei, and other symbolic objects associated with Princess Kaiulani, this is a unique opportunity to learn about indigenous Hawaiian culture through fabric.

Kona Hawaii quilt

Kona Hawaiian Quilt Museum and Gallery

The common thread that ties these creative and real estate initiatives play an important role in the cultivation of the Big Island as a luxury, art and culture destination. Contemplating the past, while anticipating the future, the Big Island is forging a creative legacy that upholds sacred traditions.